Medical Grade Biopolymers Market Size (2024 - 2030)

The Global medical-grade biopolymers Market was valued at USD 5.38 billion and is projected to reach a market size of USD 9.22 billion by the end of 2030. Over the forecast period of 2024-2030, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8%.  

Biopolymers are naturally occurring polymers created by living organisms. They are formed by linking smaller units together to create larger molecules. Polynucleotides (like RNA and DNA), polypeptides (containing proteins), and polysaccharides (like sugar and cellulose) are the three primary kinds of biopolymers. Biopolymers also encompass natural rubbers, complex polyphenolic polymers, fatty acid-based polymers, melanin, and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Besides their crucial roles in living organisms, biopolymers have diverse applications in areas, such as food, manufacturing, packaging, and biomedical engineering.

Plants, animals, microbes, and agricultural by-products are all natural sources of biopolymers. Plant sources like rice, maize, wheat, and others can be chemically processed to extract biopolymers from components like oils, sugars, and amino acids. Animal sources include cattle, while marine sources consist of corals, sponges, and various sea creatures. Microbiological sources encompass algae, fungi, and yeasts. Carbohydrate-rich biomass, paper waste, and wood waste serve as additional sources. Vegetable oils like sunflower and soybean contain triglycerides that are used in biopolymer production. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a specific type of biopolymer, are produced and stored by microbes and plants in granule form. These natural biopolymers can undergo melting and shaping processes similar to synthetic thermoplastics.

Global Medical Grade Biopolymers Market Drivers:

The growing utilization of protein-based biopolymers in biomedical applications is fuelling the growth of the global medical-grade biopolymers market.

Protein-based biopolymers have earned prominence in medicine owing to their biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and biodegradability. They are suitable for implantable medical devices, and the utilization of protein nanoparticles enables precise construction based on secondary structures. In regenerative tissue engineering, synthetic and biopolymer scaffolds provide an optimal environment for cell growth and tissue repair, leveraging the body's natural healing abilities. Biopolymers like collagen, keratin, gelatine, sericin, and fibroin are utilized to create films, hydrogels, nanofibers, and 3D-printed scaffolds, facilitating tissue engineering and therapeutic molecule delivery. Gelatine, sourced from animals or marine organisms, is an FDA-approved, biodegradable material with versatile properties, including gel formation, thickening, emulsification, and foaming, making it highly applicable in diverse medical applications. Therefore, this factor drives the demand for medical-grade biopolymers.

The rising adoption of chitosan biopolymers in medical applications is another factor contributing to the growth of the global medical-grade biopolymers market.

Chitosan is a biodegradable and biocompatible material extensively utilized in medical applications. It can be transformed into different forms like gels, films, particles, membranes, and scaffolds, making it versatile in a multitude of fields. Its unique properties make it beneficial for promoting cell attachment and growth, especially in tissue engineering applications where it is utilized as a porous structure. Chitosan is extensively employed in implants for regenerating various tissues such as bone, ligament, cartilage, tendon, liver, nerve, stent, and skin. Therefore, this factor also drives the demand for medical-grade biopolymers.

Global Medical Grade Biopolymers Market Challenges:

The global medical-grade biopolymers market is encountering challenges, primarily in terms of high costs. Biopolymers have production costs that are generally 20% to 100% higher than conventional polymers due to expensive polymerization processes and the early stage of technology development. Despite having a lower production cost than polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polylactic acid (PLA) is still more pricey than petroleum-based polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Biopolymers are currently in the developmental phase and have not achieved the same market penetration as their petrochemical counterparts, which have experienced rapid growth over many years. Thus, these challenges inhibit the growth of the global medical-grade biopolymers market.

Global Medical Grade Biopolymers Market Opportunities:

Market expansion strategies present a lucrative opportunity in the global medical-grade biopolymers market. Given the rising demand for medical grade biopolymers owing to their advantages, including biodegradability, sustainability, biocompatibility, and versatility, businesses specializing in the development of medical grade biopolymers can stand to gain significantly from this opportunity by expanding their products to emerging markets, including China, India, and Brazil.

COVID-19 Impact on the Global Medical Grade Biopolymers Market:

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic substantially impacted the global medical-grade biopolymers market. The pandemic caused disruptions in supply chains and distribution of goods and services, which highly affected the production and distribution of medical-grade biopolymers. This factor negatively impacted the growth of the global medical-grade biopolymers market. However, the pandemic accelerated the demand for medical supplies and equipment, including surgical instruments, masks, gloves, face shields, and protective equipment. This factor positively impacted the market's growth. Therefore, the global medical-grade biopolymers market experienced both challenges and opportunities during the difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global Medical Grade Biopolymers Market Recent Developments:

• In May 2023, BASF SE, a Germany-based multinational company and largest chemical producer in the world, introduced a certified compostable grade, ecovio® 70 PS14H6, expanding its ecovio® biopolymer portfolio for food packaging. It provides excellent barrier properties, temperature stability, and adhesion to paper and board. After use, the packaging can be composted in home or industrial facilities, supporting organics recycling and a circular economy.
• In November 2022, CJ Biomaterials and NatureWorks signed a Master Collaboration Agreement (MCA) to jointly develop sustainable materials solutions. The collaboration aims to utilize CJ Biomaterials' PHACT™ Biodegradable Polymers and NatureWorks' Ingeo™ biopolymers to create high-performance biopolymer alternatives to fossil fuel-based plastics. The focus will be on applications such as compostable food packaging, food service ware, personal care products, films, and more.
• In April 2021, HTL Biotechnology, a France-based biotechnology company specializing in the development of pharmaceutical-grade biopolymers, and Echelon Biosciences, Inc., a US-based biochemical company specializing in the development of biochemical reagents, assays, and peptides for academic research and pharmaceutical development, unveiled a partnership focused on distributing high-quality hyaluronic acid (HA) and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) products, as well as co-developing novel GAG solutions. The collaboration aims to empower scientists and researchers to innovate in biopolymer solutions for various medical applications. HTL seeks to expand its global leadership in HA production and distribution while advancing glycosaminoglycan-based solutions.

MEDICAL GRADE BIOPOLYMERS MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Global Medical Grade Biopolymers Market Segmentation:

Global Medical Grade Biopolymers Market Segmentation: By Type

• Polycaprolactone (PCL)
• Polyglycolic Acid (PGA)
• Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
• Polylactic Acid (PLA)
• Others

In 2022, the polylactic acid (PLA) segment held the highest market share. The growth can be attributed to the extensive utilization of PLA in medical applications. It is utilized in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and temporary/long-term implants. PLA naturally breaks down into lactic acid or carbon dioxide and water when exposed to biological substances, which can be safely metabolized or eliminated from the body. Bacterial infections and inflammation can accelerate PLA degradation through enzyme secretion. The degradation occurs on the surface and within the polymer structure, facilitated by water diffusion. The average lifespan of PLA is approximately 30 weeks but can be adjusted based on clinical needs. The degradation rate can be controlled by modifying the device's molecular composition and physical structure. The chirality of lactic acid (L- or D-) significantly affects the degradation rate. Despite its age, PLA remains a promising material for biomedical advancements and contributes to our understanding of the safe interaction between synthetic polymers and biological systems.

Global Medical Grade Biopolymers Market Segmentation: By Application

• Devices
  • Surgical Instruments
  • Diagnostic Equipment
  • Others
• Implants
  • Orthopedic Implants
  • Electronic Implants
  • Dental Implants
• Disposables
• Packaging
• Others

In 2022, the implants segment held the highest market share. The growth can be attributed to the advantages that biopolymers offer for repairing or replacing damaged body parts, including biocompatibility and biodegradability. These properties make them suitable for utilization in the human body, promoting tissue integration and minimizing the risk of adverse reactions. The rising demand for implants across various medical fields, fueled by factors like an aging population, increasing chronic diseases, and advancements in medical technology, further drives the growth of the implants segment. Additionally, the stringent regulatory guidelines for medical devices support the adoption of biopolymers, which often meet safety and biocompatibility requirements.

Global Medical Grade Biopolymers Market Segmentation: By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

The region of North America held the largest share of the global medical-grade biopolymers market in the year 2022. The growing awareness regarding biopolymers in the field of medicine owing to their advantages, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, sustainability, and versatility, the presence of well-established healthcare industries in nations, such as the United States and Canada, and the increasing investments in the research and development activities are some of the factors propelling the region's growth. Additionally, North America is home to several significant market players, including NatureWorks LLC, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Galatea Surgical, Inc., The Lubrizol Corporation, and Foster Corporation.

Due to the presence of well-established medical infrastructure in nations, such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmentally friendly practices, and the strong presence of major market players, including BASF SE, Evonik Industries AG, and Bayer MaterialScience LLC, the region of Europe is anticipated to expand at the fastest rate over the forecast period.

Global Medical Grade Biopolymers Market Key Players:

1. BASF SE (Germany)
2. NatureWorks LLC (United States)
3. Evonik Industries AG (Germany)
4. DSM N.V. (Netherlands)
5. Bayer MaterialScience LLC (Germany)
6. DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (United States)
7. Corbion N.V. (Netherlands)
8. Galatea Surgical, Inc. (United States)
9. The Lubrizol Corporation (United States)
10. Foster Corporation (United States)